One More Month

It's exactly one month until the Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon. The training has had its good weeks and its bad weeks, but more good ones than bad. Last week was a bad one because it seemed like I had something to do after work everyday. I got a run in on Sunday, then got to the gym on Monday and Wednesday. I went out to celebrate a friend's law school graduation on Tuesday, so there was no run that day. I did my Thursday morning run club at work and I did a 3 mile walk for the March of Babies with work on Saturday. That was a good time with coworkers and it was for a good cause that has a small relation to Running with Ryan. I wore my RwR shirt and had a few people ask about it, so hopefully it gave us some exposure. Still, only two runs during that week. Not my best effort.

This week has been "better" so far. I planned to run on Sunday, but it was perfect beach weather. I went down to the beach with one of my friends for a few hours then had fish tacos and a beer. No running after that. I came home Monday and got in a 4 mile run along the cliffs despite a tight hamstring making for a slow warm-up. On Tuesday my left leg was still very tight, but I pushed through for a 6 mile run on the cliffs and up the big hill. I switched it up and went to the gym Wednesday with some elliptical machine thrown in.

That brings us to today and one month from the half-marathon. I got up early this morning for my run club at work with no problem. We got a late start because the instructor was sick and couldn't run. Within the first half-mile I hit the edge of the sidewalk with my left foot and ate pavement, twisting my ankle in the process. I got up and walked a few yards and decided I could still run on it. I stayed at a slower constant pace, even dodging some obstructions in my path. I was able to finish the 5-mile loop feeling pretty good. I got back inside and did some post-run stretches, which is when the ankle started hurting more. By the time I had showered and dressed it was not feeling great at all.

The run instructor noticed my limping on the way out and asked what happened. I told her and she took a look at it. She said it is likely a sprain because of how I rolled it and where the pain was. She wrapped an ice pack around it and sent me on my way. Hopefully it starts feeling better as the day progresses and it doesn't end up being a sprain. I'm trying to stay off my feet as much as possible, so that should help. Tomorrow is an off day and I was only planning a short run on Saturday, so maybe it will be fine by then. We'll see. Either way the training will continue next week.

Please remember to check out my sister's blog at www.runningwithryan.net. Also please continue to send well wishes and any donations you can in honor or Ryan Elizabeth.

Love you Angel Ryan!